What Jesus Did! 'Compassionate Teaching' — Mark 6:33-34

Saturday, April 16, 2016

But many people saw them leave. The people knew it was Jesus. So people from all the towns ran to the place where Jesus was going. The people were there before Jesus arrived. When Jesus arrived there, he saw many people waiting. Jesus felt sorry for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd {to care for them}. So Jesus taught the people many things.
— Mark 6:33-34 NLT
Illustration of Mark 6:33-34 NLT — So Jesus taught the people many things.

Key Thought

Jesus was tired and the people were spiritually lost and in danger—"sheep without a shepherd." So Jesus gave them what they needed most: "He taught them many things." A "shepherd and teacher" from a Christian point of view is redundant. A shepherd teaches by guiding, leading, protecting, correcting, and caring. Let's call our modern Christian teachers to that high standard! They must do more and be more than a classroom lecturer. They must live the message they teach and love the people with whom they share it.

Today's Prayer

O dear Father, please give your people, your Church, more genuine "shepherds and teachers." So often, your people are like sheep without a shepherd. Please raise up more shepherds among us! In Jesus' name we fervently ask this. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 10:11-15
  • Acts 20:28-29
  • Ephesians 4:11-13

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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